System and apparatus for optimizing hydration and for the contextual dispensing of additives

ABSTRACT

Provided are systems, methods, and apparatuses for a portable hydration system including a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism for dispensing additives into a liquid or other solute in a portable container. Such additives include solids, liquid, powders, and gases, and include vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other consumables. Additives are introduced into the hydration device via closed vessels equipped with RFID tags or similar, capable of transferring data about the vessels&#39; contents to the device. Dispensing is initiated manually by direct user action, automatically by the device, and/or externally through an associated application on a user device. Dispensing is adjustable by contextual factors such as a user&#39;s preferences, location, activity, physiologic status, and the like, obtained via APIs to third party applications or through more direct measurements or inputs. Consumption of additives and consumable liquids in the container is measured and monitored, and the data used to generate recommendations.

The present application claims priority to and is a continuation patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/960,109 filed Dec. 4,2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,932,217), which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/088,189, filed Dec. 5, 2014,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/174,415, filed Jun. 11,2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/174,466, filedJun. 11, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/174,935, filed Jun. 12, 2015, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference. The entire disclosure of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/960,109 is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Portable refillable bottles and other containers used for water andother beverages are widely used and are important for health andhydration. However, one limitation of such bottles and containers isthat the consumable contents remain constant and unchanged except forchanges in quantity as the contents (frequently, but not exclusivelywater) are consumed and replenished. Furthermore, vitamins, health, anddietary supplements in the form of liquids, powders, gels, and solidtablets are becoming increasingly popular and more widely consumed. Inaddition, such supplements and additives are frequently being suppliedin bulk to the consumer since they are using and consuming suchsupplements and additives regularly and on a long term basis.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form inorder to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the presentdisclosure. This Summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure,and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of thedisclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. This Summarymerely presents some of the concepts of the disclosure as a prelude tothe Detailed Description provided below.

The present disclosure generally relates to hydration systems, methods,and apparatuses. More specifically, aspects of the present disclosurerelate to a portable hydration system that includes a mechanical orelectromechanical mechanism for periodically dispensing additives into aliquid or other solute in a portable container.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a portable containerfor retaining a consumable liquid, the container comprising: at leastone aperture that receives a vessel containing an additive to bedispensed into the consumable liquid; and a dispensing assembly thatdispenses variable quantities of an additive contained in a vesselreceived in the at least one aperture based on data associated with useof the portable container by a user.

In another embodiment, the portable container includes at least oneprocessor configured to adaptively control the dispensing assembly todispense the variable quantities of the additive based on the dataassociated with use of the portable container by a user.

In another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to: control timing of dispensing of the additivefrom the vessel into the consumable liquid; control an amount ofpressure applied to the vessel by the dispensing assembly; and controlduration of the application of pressure.

In another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to collect data associated with use of theportable container, and adjust the dispensing of the additive based onthe collected data, where the collected data includes one or more of thefollowing: an amount of the consumable liquid retained in the container;a physical characteristic of the additive to be dispensed; a consumptionactivity associated with the user of the container; a preference of theuser of the container; and a context of use of the container by theuser.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to transmit the collected data from thecontainer to a remote server in communication with the container via acommunications network, to a user device associated with the user of thecontainer, or both.

In still another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to: receive at the container from the server,from the user device, or from both the server and user device, one ormore recommendations for the user of the container, wherein the one ormore recommendations are based on the collected data transmitted fromthe container; and provide the one or more recommendations to the userof the container.

In another embodiment, the portable container further comprises apressure applicator within the dispensing assembly, where the pressureapplicator is moveable into a position proximal or adjacent to a surfaceof a vessel received in the at least one aperture, and where thepressure applicator is configured to apply pressure to the surface ofthe vessel to fully or partially release the additive contained in thevessel.

In still another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to: monitor an amount of the consumable liquidretained in the container; determine a type of the consumable liquidretained in the container; monitor a rate of consumption of theconsumable liquid retained in the container; and detect when the amountof the consumable liquid retained in the container has increased ordecreased.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to: process sensor data about the amount, type,and/or rate of consumption of the consumable liquid retained in thecontainer; store the sensor data about the amount, type, and/or rate ofconsumption of the consumable liquid retained in the container;communicate the sensor data about the amount, type, and/or rate ofconsumption of the consumable liquid retained in the container over acommunication network; and receive data indicating a recommended amount,a recommended type, and/or a recommended rate of consumption of theconsumable liquid retained in the container.

In still another embodiment, the at least one processor of the portablecontainer is configured to present, to the user of the container, thereceived data indicating the recommended amount, the recommended type,and/or the recommended rate of consumption of the consumable liquidretained in the container.

In another embodiment, a vessel received in the at least one aperture ofthe portable container includes: a form factor enabling the vessel torecover shape after a dispensing event; a dispensing valve permittingthe dispensing of variable quantities of the additive contained in thevessel into the consumable liquid; and a valve mechanism enabling thevessel to be removed from the dispensing assembly and stored, replaced,or transferred to a second dispensing assembly.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a portabledispensing system comprising: a container for retaining a consumableliquid; a vessel containing an additive to be dispensed into theconsumable liquid retained in the container; and a dispensing assemblythat dispenses variable quantities of the additive contained in thevessel, and adaptively adjusts a quantity of the dispensed additive toachieve a targeted concentration of the additive in the consumableliquid.

In another embodiment, the dispensing assembly of the portabledispensing system is configured to read the data storage tag affixed tothe vessel, and control the dispensing of the additive contained in thevessel based on the data stored in the tag.

In another embodiment, the portable dispensing system further comprisesat least one processor configured to obtain the data stored in the datastorage tag affixed to the vessel, and generate one or morerecommendations for a user of the container.

In still another embodiment, the dispensing assembly of the portabledispensing system adjusts the quantity of the dispensed additive basedon a level of the consumable liquid retained in the container, and arecommended level of concentration of the additive in the consumableliquid, where the recommended level of concentration of the additive isbased on data associated with use of the portable container by a user.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a methodcomprising: receiving a vessel containing an additive to be dispensedinto a consumable liquid retained in a portable container; obtainingdata associated with use of the portable container by a user; anddispensing a quantity of the additive contained in the vessel into theconsumable liquid retained in the container based on the obtained dataassociated with use of the portable container by the user.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving one ormore recommendations generated for the user of the container, andadjusting the dispensing of the additive based on the one or morereceived recommendations, where the one or more recommendations aregenerated for the user based on one or more of the following: an amountof the consumable liquid retained in the container; a physicalcharacteristic of the additive being dispensed; rate of consumption ofthe consumable liquid retained in the container; a preference of theuser of the container; and a context of use of the container by theuser.

In one or more other embodiments, the methods, systems, and apparatusesdescribed herein may optionally include one or more of the followingadditional features: the one or more recommendations provided to theuser include a recommendation about one or more additives to bepurchased for future dispensing by the container; the recommendationabout one or more additives to be purchased for future dispensing isbased on one or more of the following: quantities and dates of previousadditive purchases by the user, rate of dispensing of additives into thecontainer of the user, and rate of consumption of the liquid consumableretained in the container of the user; and/or the vessel containing anadditive includes a passive data storage tag affixed thereto, the datastorage tag storing data associated with the additive contained in thevessel.

Embodiments of some or all of the systems and apparatuses disclosedherein may also be configured to perform some or all of the methodsdescribed above and in greater detail below. Embodiments of some or allof the methods disclosed herein may also be represented as instructionsembodied on transitory or non-transitory processor-readable storagemedia such as optical or magnetic memory or represented as a propagatedsignal provided to a processor or data processing device via acommunication network such as, for example, an Internet or telephoneconnection.

Further scope of applicability of the systems, apparatuses, and methodsof the present disclosure will become apparent from the DetailedDescription given below. However, it should be understood that theDetailed Description and specific examples, while indicating embodimentsof the systems, apparatuses, and methods, are given by way ofillustration only, since various changes and modifications within thespirit and scope of the concepts disclosed herein will become apparentto those skilled in the art from this Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in theart upon consideration of the following Detailed Description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying claims and drawings, all of which forma part of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example hydration apparatus inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for dispensingadditives into the contents of a container in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for monitoring theconsumption of additives and container contents in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for adjusting thedispensing of additives into the contents of a container based on userpreferences in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of anexample apparatus for dispensing additives into the contents of acontainer in a first position in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the portion of theexample apparatus for dispensing additives into the contents of acontainer shown in FIG. 5A in a second position in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a portion of anexample apparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of an additive intothe contents of a container in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of a portion of an example apparatusfor dispensing a controlled amount of an additive into the contents of acontainer in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a portion of another exampleapparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of an additive into thecontents of a container in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a portion of another exampleapparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of an additive into thecontents of a container in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an additive vessel in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example system andsurrounding environment in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an example apparatus for dispensingadditives into the contents of a container, showing dispensing nozzlesof additive vessels mounted within a lid assembly of the apparatus inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of an example dispensing modulemounted above a portion of a hydration container in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12B is a side perspective view of the example dispensing moduleshown in FIG. 12A, with the portion of the hydration container removedin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of an example additive dispensingmodule with several additive vessels mounted therein in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the exampleadditive dispensing module shown in FIG. 13A in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of an additive vessel in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating example components in ahydration and dispensing system in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 16 is a data flow diagram illustrating example data flows betweencomponents in a hydration and dispensing system during a dispensingevent in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 is a data flow diagram illustrating example data flows betweencomponents in a hydration and dispensing system during a dispensingevent based on various user, environment, and contextual data inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating example components of ahydration device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating example components of adispensing module in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notnecessarily affect the scope or meaning of what is claimed in thepresent disclosure.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals and any acronyms identifyelements or acts with the same or similar structure or functionality forease of understanding and convenience. The drawings will be described indetail in the course of the following Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples and embodiments will now be described. The followingdescription provides specific details for a thorough understanding andenabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant artwill understand, however, that one or more embodiments described hereinmay be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled inthe relevant art will also understand that one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure can include many other obvious features notdescribed in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures orfunctions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

In view of the above, it is therefore desirable to provide a system andapparatus for combining a user's hydration and additive intake. Such asystem and apparatus may, for example, automatically schedule, control,and personalize the user's hydration and additive intake, and may alsoadjust hydration and additive intake according to the user's environmentand/or according to other contextual aspects associated with the user.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hydration anddispensing system comprising an apparatus including amechanical/electromechanical dispensing mechanism, that may interfacewith external, separate wired and/or wireless systems and whichdispenses one or more additives into a consumable (e.g., within acontainer) in a contextually relevant, personalized, and optimizedmanner. For example, the hydration and dispensing system of the presentdisclosure may include a hydration device (e.g., a water bottle,container, or the like) that includes one or more discrete apertures orchambers that might contain an additive in solid, liquid, powder, and/orgaseous form, and/or the device or container might receive vessels thatinterface with the aforementioned apertures or chambers, wherein thevessels contain a solid, liquid, powder, and/or gaseous additive. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment described herein, the hydrationand dispensing system may communicate with one or more integrated orseparate processing devices that provide data to further inform, modify,or adjust the dispensing of additives from the aforementioned vesselsinto the contents of the container. Such data may include, for example,direct user input to prompt a dispensing action, Application ProgrammingInterface (API) data, and/or other information or data to optimize thedispensing based upon relevant environmental, user, and/or othercontextual factors including, for example, data or information obtainedfrom wearable fitness devices, mobile devices, the “cloud,” and/or otherdevices or sensors.

Some non-limiting examples of relevant factors that may be used foroptimizing the dispensing of additives (where the optimization is withregard to physiological optimization, geographic optimization and/oruser preference optimization) include a determined physical location ofthe user (e.g., based on GPS/location data associated with a mobiledevice of the user and/or associated with the hydration apparatus of thepresent disclosure), which may additionally incorporate taggedattributes. For example, geolocation coordinates may be associated witha description or category of the user's physical location and/oradditive dispensing requirements (e.g., a geolocation identified as afitness center has greater hydration requirements, a geolocationidentified as a library has greater nootropics, etc.). Weather and otherenvironmental data may be accessed to determine the user's ambientenvironmental conditions, as well as data indicative of the user'sphysiological state, physical location, current or recent activitylevels, movement, speed of motion, dietary intake, and the like.

The hydration and dispensing systems and apparatuses described hereinmay dispense additives into the contents of a container, from one ormore additive vessels each containing a solid, liquid, powder, and/orgas. The hydration device may dispense such additives either from adistinct and separable additive vessel interfacing with the device, ordirectly from a chamber within the hydration device itself. The systemmay operate for single vessel deployments, single additives notcontained within an additive vessel, multiple vessel deployments, or anycombination thereof. The additives contained in the discrete additivevessels may be dispensed by a dispensing mechanism (described in greaterdetail below) into a consumable within the container of the system suchthat any portion of, or the total contents of an additive vessel may bedispensed in a single dispensing event.

It should be noted that, in accordance with at least one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the contents of the bottle or container may alsobe a gas (e.g., pressurized gas). For example, an additive vessel maycontain an additive in a liquid, vapor, or gaseous form that isdispensed (e.g., by the dispensing system/mechanism described herein)from the additive vessel into a physically connected container (e.g.,bottle, chamber, etc.) containing a pure gas medium (e.g., oxygen).

In accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, thehydration and dispensing system may also incorporate a system leveragingonboard processing, software, secondary device, and/or third party APIsto adjust or otherwise modify the amount and/or concentration ofadditives dispensed. This additive dispensing may occur in an automatedmanner according to passive data input and/or in a manual manneraccording to direct or indirect user input. The automated data input mayinclude, for example, data from a variety of sources including, but notlimited to, API feeds, sensor data, and the like. Manual data input maycomprise direct or indirect user input that might include specificrequests or instructions as well as information such as, for example,food consumption, location, physical activity, as well as moresubjective parameters such as tiredness, “overall feeling,” and thelike.

It should also be noted that in the context of the present disclosure,additives may include, but are not limited to, vitamins, minerals,nutritional and dietary supplements, drugs and pharmaceuticals, herbs,flavorings, colorings, remedies, and other consumables such as coffee,tea, caffeine, and the like.

As will be described in greater detail below, in accordance with atleast one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dispensing systemmay include a solenoid actuator (or other magnetic, hydraulic, orpressure-inducing apparatus) that revolves around a fixed axis toselectively dispense the contents (e.g., additives) from one or moreadditive vessels/chambers into a receiving area (container) of ahydration device (e.g., a water bottle). For example, the dispensingsystem is ordinarily in communication with (e.g., has a direct orindirect connection to) water or another solution or medium, enablingthe direct or indirect dispensing of the contents of the discretechambers or additive vessels to mix the additives and solute or medium.The dispensing system may use any of a variety of suitable connectionsto the solution it deploys additives into, including, for example, aconnection via a threaded top for a bottle, a connection through adispensing nozzle that is held over a container of water, and the like.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a hydration container in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, thehydration container 100 may comprise a dispensing module (or dispensingassembly) 102 into which one or more additive vessels 104 may beinserted and enclosed by a lid 101. The module 102 having an aperturethrough which a drinking channel 107 may pass in order that a user mayconsume the contents of the container 100. A user may select one of theadditive vessels 104 manually by rotating a knob 103 around a centralpivot 106 until the pressure actuator 105 is aligned with the desiredadditive vessel and by applying downward pressure on the knob 103causing the pressure actuator to apply downward pressure on the additivevessel and thereby dispensing a portion of the additive into thecontents of the container 100.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments, the dispensing module102 mounted within the hydration container 100 may consist of anelectro-mechanical actuator system comprising of a centralized motor,revolving axially to align the pressure actuator with a specificadditive vessel (e.g., a vessel containing an additive, which isdescribed in greater detail below) as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, anddescribed in further detail below.

The bottle or container may comprise multiple components, some of whichmay contain electronic and/or mechanical components which aresusceptible to damage from water and/or high temperatures and otherswhich come into contact with consumables and which require to beperiodically washed. For this reason the hydration system is structuredso as to enable the separation of washable from non-washable componentsor modules.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example process 200 for dispensing additives intothe contents of a container, in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. At block 201, a user may insert one or more additivevessels into the hydration container which are then located, identifiedand the data logged and stored by the hydration device and/or associatedsecondary device at step 203. An RFID (Radio Frequency Identifications)system, NFC (Near Field Communications) system or other mechanical,electrical, or electronic system capable of detecting the presence of,and identity of containers, informs the device and/or other connecteddevices that containers/chambers A, B, C, D, E, and F have been loadedwith additive vessels.

For example, such identification and data communication may comprise asubsystem whereby each of the additive vessels has a passive RFID orsimilar type tag attached to an outer wall of the vessel, orientedtoward the central axis of the consumable container. An RFID antenna maybe mounted on the surface of a rotatable dispensing module located onthe central axis of the consumable container and, when closely alignedto an additive vessel, accesses data about the contents of the additivevessel from the RFID tag.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,the RFID or similar type tag may contain information about the contentsof the additive vessel to which it is attached, including, for example,a name or type of additive in the vessel (e.g., vitamin B, cherryflavor, etc.), a category of the additive (e.g., nutritional supplement,pharmaceutical, etc.), a supplier of the additive (e.g., ABC Corp.caffeine), a capacity of the vessel (e.g., 75 drops, 1.5 oz., etc.), astandard serving amount for the particular additive or the particularhydration container (e.g., 3 drops), dosage or consumption limitationsfor the additive (e.g., 12 drops per day, 4 drops per hour, etc.), aswell as various other information that may be pertinent to the contentsof the vessel and/or the dispensing of the contents. Data may alsoinclude the amount of additive remaining in the vessel and/or the amountdispensed within a previous time period.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, data regarding thedispensing of additives may be encoded in any form suitable orappropriate to the dispensing process. For example, the data may beencoded as a voltage or distance corresponding to the motion required ofthe rotatable dispensing module and/or pressure actuator. This data iscommunicated at step 204 to an onboard processor within the hydrationcontainer and/or to an associated mobile device. Some or all of the datamay also be displayed on an interface screen integrated as part of thehydration device and/or on the display of a secondary device at step205.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,data may also be written to the RFID or similar type tag on an additivevessel by one or more processors (e.g., processing chips, processingdevices, etc.) within the hydration device. A portion of the contents ofan additive vessel may be released into a first container and theadditive vessel subsequently transferred by the user to a secondcontainer. It is therefore useful to encode data on the vessel's RFIDtag including, but not limited to, the quantity of additive remaining inthe vessel, the identity of the hydration device in which the vessel waspreviously used, and/or the identity of the user associated with thatpreviously used hydration device.

At step 202 an additive dispensing schedule requests the dispensing ofadditive or substance “A”, alternatively this may be manually requestedby the user or received from a secondary device at step 206, theprocessor then generates a signal at step 207 to dispense additive “A”from the appropriate additive vessel. The processor may additionally atstep 208 adjust the amount of additive dispensed based on other storeddata including, but not limited to any determined user preferences(e.g., user prefers stronger concentration) in which case an increasedamount of additive may be dispensed. The dispensing module then appliesan appropriate input force (e.g., a measured amount of pressure) to theadditive vessel at step 209 to dispense a quantity “x” of additive “A”.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the system may also have access to sensor data about thevolume of water (or other solute) within the hydration container, andmay use this sensor data as a further data point at step 210 in orderto, for example, adjust the quantity “x” of additive “A” to achieve aspecific level of concentration of “y”.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 for monitoring the consumptionof additives and container contents in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. For example, in accordance with at leastone embodiment, sensor data about the level or volume of consumablewithin the container may be used to monitor and control theconcentration of additives in order to maintain appropriate consumptionlimits. Sensors may include IR (Infra-red) LEDs and/or other means ofmeasuring the level of liquid in a container.

At step 301 a quantity “x” of additive “A” is dispensed into aconsumable in the hydration container and the amount of consumable ismeasured immediately after the dispensing event using an array of IRemitters and receivers or by other methods at step 302. The amount ofconsumable is measured periodically thereafter, this may be atpre-determined time intervals (step 303) and/or may be triggered bysensors which detect a change in level or movement of the hydrationcontainer, such as tilting of the container to drink from it (step 304).From this data, the change in volume of consumable can be determined at305 and a consumption rate over time for additive “A” can be determinedat step 306. An onboard or separate processor may then access data onrecommended consumption limits for additive “A” at step 307 and maydecrease the amount subsequently dispensed at step 308 in the event thatthe user is consuming the additive at a rate that is greater than therecommended rate.

In addition to the above, sensors may measure the depth or volume ofliquid in the container prior to (e.g., immediately prior to) ascheduled dispensing event, and adjust the amount dispensed in order toachieve a specific level of concentration of the additive in the liquid.For example, if the liquid level is determined to be low, less additivemay be dispensed. In another example, if the liquid level is determinedto be very low, zero, or below a predefined threshold level, thedispensing event may be cancelled altogether and the user alertedaccordingly.

As well as adjusting additive dispensing to remain within maximum orrecommended limits, the hydration system may also adjust quantitiesaccording to individual user preferences. This may be done automaticallyor may be based on explicit user feedback. For example, FIG. 4 shows anexample process 400 for adjusting the dispensing of additives into thecontents of a container in response to explicit user feedback, inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. At step 401, aquantity of additive is dispensed into the container and at step 402 theuser provides feedback on the level of concentration, either directlyvia a user interface on the hydration container or by using theinterface on an associated mobile device, providing feedback to anapplication residing on the mobile device. The user preference data maybe stored locally in the hydration device, locally on the mobile deviceand/or remotely in the cloud from where it may be accessed by the mobiledevice and/or the hydration container at step 405. Subsequent dispensingevents may then be adjusted based on this user preference data at step406.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the dispensing module 500 may be centrallylocated on the center-line of the container and equidistant from theadditive vessels 510, rotating axially around the center-line to providetargeted compression on an additive vessel 510. A user input and/or anautomated signal from an associated mobile device or other externalsource may be received which specifies the degree of rotation requiredof the dispensing module 500 in order for an actuator 501 to be alignedwith the required additive vessel 510. Rotation of the dispensing moduleis controlled by an axially positioned stepper motor 502 and may rotateclockwise, counterclockwise or a combination of both in order toposition the actuator. The received signal may also specify thestroke-length and/or pressure which should be applied to the additivevessel by the electromagnetic solenoid actuator 501 in order to releasethe required number of drops or volume of additive. In addition, thesignal may also specify a duration and/or frequency with which thepressure is required to be applied to release the required number ofdrops or volume of additive. The resultant action is the release ordispensing of a specific drop size and/or number of drops from aspecific additive vessel as specified by the device's embedded systemsand/or from user input (e.g., input received directly via a userinterface on the container and/or input received via an associated userdevice such as, for example, a user's mobile device).

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the dispensing module 500may also include a stepper motor 502 or similar rotating mechanism toorient the dispensing system. The stepper motor 502 may be informed byonboard software, an onboard processor and/or by a secondary associateddevice, to rotate the dispensing assembly 500 in order to act upon aspecific additive vessel 510, programmatically orienting itself to a setlocation/interval.

A system of sensors within the dispensing module identifies whichadditive vessels 510 are loaded and present in the container, theadditive or other contents of those vessels, the total amount orcapacity of additive or other contents of those vessels, the amount ofadditive currently remaining within each vessel and the standard orrecommended rate of dispensing of that additive and other relevant data.This data is communicated to a processor within the hydration device andsubsequently communicated to any other associated software or devicewith which the hydration device is in communication in order to controlthe dispensing events.

The pressure actuator 501 rotates from a non-pressure applying positionas illustrated in FIG. 5A to a pressure applying position as illustratedin FIG. 5B, to apply direct pressure on the additive vessel 510, therebycausing the expulsion of the contents of the additive vessel 510 in acontrolled fashion.

A hinge point assembly 505 for the lever 501 positions all of theapparatus consistently, and protects it from external forces that mightcause a misalignment. Conversely, in accordance with at least oneembodiment, the non-acting end of the piston of the solenoid actuator503 may extend beyond a minimum length and locate within a recess inorder to create a passive anchoring system, causing the entiredispensing mechanism to “lock” into place at the non-acting end therebyhelping ensure that the “acting”, pressure applying end of the actuatoris properly aligned with the additive vessel and thereby mitigating riskof the system losing alignment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show different views of a portion of an exampleapparatus for dispensing a controlled amount of an additive into thecontents of a container, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As shown, the dispensing module assembly maycomprise of a complete “wrap-around” housing 600 for the additivevessels 510 in order to ensure that all of the compressing force actsdirectly upon the contents of the additive vessel 510. The dispensingmodule 500 may be located in a top portion of a hydration device (e.g.,a water bottle or other portable hydration device/system), with thepressure actuator 504 mounted at an angle such that it applies pressureat approximately right angles to the wall of the additive vessel 510.The pressure actuator 504 being rotated by the stepper motor 502 toalign with the selected additive vessel 510. The dispensing module 500may be located in the upper portion of a hydration device or bottle(e.g., hydration device 100 in the example shown in FIG. 1), therebymaximally leveraging the effect of gravity to assist in dispensing theadditives.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the removable additivevessel 510 may also comprise of a compressible, compliant sub-area 601of the sidewall which is more compressible and compliant than the restof the vessel walls and which is acted upon by the pressure actuator orpiston 504 to pressurize the additive contents for expulsion from a“pore-valve” type mechanism at the base of the vessel 510. Furthermore,in accordance with one or more embodiments, the additive vessel 510 mayinclude a plurality of ribs (e.g., extending along the vessel's sidewalls) and/or other features to facilitate a reliable and repeatablecompression of the vessel.

FIG. 7 shows an example dispensing assembly 700 in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. The dispensing assembly 700 mayinclude, for example, six additive vessels 510 arrangedcircumferentially around a central dispensing module 500, whereby theadditive vessels 510 are held in place by the lower dispensing nozzleand are additionally oriented close to or equal to, a vertical positionin order to maximally leverage gravity in assisting the release ofadditives from the vessels 510 when pressure is applied by a pressureactuator or piston 504 to the inner walls of the vessels 510. Theorientation of additive vessels 510 as illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 7additionally provides for high brand-visibility for the manufacturers orsuppliers of the additive vessels 510 by positioning the larger surface701 uppermost for labeling purposes. A top cover of the hydration deviceor container (not shown) may be manufactured from a transparent materialin order that the branding or labeling on the top surface of theadditive vessels is visible.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show additional details of the alignment and “seating” ofthe vessels containing additives in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a centralizeddispensing mechanism, in communication with onboard software and/or asecondary device for the purpose of orienting the dispensing mechanismupon the desired vessel, and further, to trigger action from thedispensing system to modulate the force applied to the vessel and thefrequency with which the force is applied, to precisely deploy thedesired quantity of additive and achieve the correct concentration.

It should be understood that, in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the present disclosure, the additive vessels may be arranged orpositioned in a manner other than radially. For example, the additivevessels may have a linear orientation, hexagonal orientation, or someorientation other than radial. In addition, with such alternativearrangements of the additive vessels, the dispensing mechanism mayinclude more than one (e.g., multiple) pressure actuators or pistonswhich act upon one vessel or may act upon multiple vesselssimultaneously to dispense the additives contained therein.

The dispensing system may modulate the displacement-volume,displacement-force, and/or displacement-frequency accordingly to controlthe quantity or volume of additive dispensed. Displacement-volume refersto a temporary change in the volume of an additive vessel (eitherpositive or negative) as a result of the action of a dispensing systemin order to release a corresponding volume of additive.Displacement-force refers in this case to variability in the dispensingmechanism's output strength as a moderator of dispensing volume, forcemight be varied for instance to ensure precise dispensing of a moreviscous additive, as the instantaneous pressure applied to the containerwould be a significant factor. Displacement-frequency refers to theoverall number of cycles over a period of time that the dispensingmechanism acts upon the additive vessel, a higher frequency correlatingdirectly to a higher number of droplets ejected as a consequence.

An additional factor which may play a significant role in the accuracyof additive dispensing is that of piston recoil. The pressure actuatorpiston strikes the additive container to dispense the additive, however,where a droplet forms more slowly, the recoil may be calibrated to occurmore rapidly, thus inducing a pulsatile pressure application that forcesthe creation of a droplet (and mitigating the likelihood of a largerless-precise droplet forming from any surface-tension interaction etc.).In other situations or scenarios, the opposite may apply such thatpressure is needed to “dwell” on the vessel to produce a successfuldispensing event.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a dispensing module and additivevessels in which the additive vessels are almost fully enclosed byretaining walls and are also oriented close to a vertical position inorder that gravity may assist in additive dispensing.

While the system and apparatus described in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form ofa portable water container, it should be understood that the scope ofthe present disclosure is not limited to the specific context of a watercontainer. In accordance with one or more other embodiments, the systemsand apparatus may be implemented (e.g., mounted, installed, or otherwiseput in communication with) in conjunction with other systems fordispensing additives selectively and accurately. In addition, althoughthe various examples provided herein describe a system generally mountedwithin the uppermost section of a water bottle, the dispensing systemmay be mounted in a multitude of configurations, including but notlimited to: in the side, on the bottom of the device, or on the top ofthe device.

Similarly, the embodiment of the dispensing module and consumablecontainer may be in a non-portable form factor, such as an arrangementoptimized for location on a kitchen counter-top or a retail kiosk.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an additive vessel 900 in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein. For example, the additivevessel 900 may include a dispensing nozzle 901 with a pore designed tooptimize drop size/volume, the nozzle 901 being connected to theadditive vessel 900 via a tapered cylinder in order to optimize drainageand flow-rate.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an overall ecosystem within which oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure may have applicationand/or may be implemented. FIG. 10 includes a container 1000, generallybut not necessarily portable, that may contain a consumable (e.g., aliquid) into which liquid, powder, and/or other forms of additives maybe dispensed from one or more separate removable additive vessels 1015.Data about the additives within each vessel 1015 may be encoded within aRFID or similar type tag 1020 mounted on or otherwise attached to theadditive vessel 1015. Such data about the additives contained within thevessels 1015 may be read from the RFID tag 1020 by, for example, an RFIDor similar-type antenna that is a component of a dispensing modulewithin the container 1000. For example, in accordance with at least oneembodiment, the container 1000 may include an RFID antenna (not shown)that rotates around a central axis of the container 1000 to individuallyor sequentially read data from the RFID tags 1020 on the additivevessels 1015. In this manner, data about the additives contained in theadditive vessels 1015 may be collected, analyzed, and/or communicated bythe container 1000 (e.g., by a processor and/or other components of thecontainer 1000), and made available to one or more user devices 1040,storage systems or networks 1045, 1055, and the like by means of localwireless communication 1025 and/or wide area wireless communicationnetworks 1030.

Furthermore, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a linearcapacitive sensing strip, or other liquid level reader 1005 may bemounted within or adjacent to the chamber of the container 1000 withinwhich a consumable liquid may be stored (e.g., retained, contained,etc.). The linear capacitive sensing strip, or other liquid level reader1005 may be configured to determine the level, volume, or quantity(e.g., the amount) of liquid consumable in the container 1000 at anygiven time. As such, data about the consumable liquid in the chamber ofthe container 1000 may be collected, analyzed, and/or communicated bythe container 1000 (e.g., by a processor and/or other components of thecontainer 1000), and made available to one or more user devices 1040,storage systems or networks 1045, 1055, and the like by means of localwireless communication 1025 and/or wide area wireless communicationnetworks 1030.

In addition, data about a user of the container 1000 may be accessibleto and/or obtainable by the container (e.g., by a processor or othercomponent of the container 1000). For example, the container 1000 mayreceive (e.g., retrieve, access, request, or otherwise obtain) dataabout the user that is stored, for example, in one or more databases orstorage devices 1045 local to the user, within an application residingon a device of the user 1040 (e.g., a portable user device, such as acellular telephone, smartphone, personal data assistant, laptop ortablet computer, etc.), and/or in network/cloud data storage 1050, 1055.In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the data about the user may include, for example, user demographicinformation (e.g., age, gender, weight, body mass index, etc.), additivepurchase history information, additive usage history information,charge/payment information for purchases, and various other dataassociated with the user or actions of the user. In this manner, suchdata about the user of the container 1000 may be collected, analyzed,and/or communicated by the container 1000 (e.g., by a processor and/orother components of the container 1000), and made available to thedevice of the user 1040, to one or more other devices of the user, tothe one or more databases or storage devices 1045 local to the user, tothe network/cloud servers and data storage 1050, 1055, and the like.

In accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, one or moreAPIs (Application Programming Interfaces) from a mobile deviceapplication associated with the container 1000 may interface with andaccess data from other applications running on a device of the user(e.g., user device 1040), where such data may include, but is notlimited to, geo-location, time, local weather conditions, temperature,personal schedule (e.g., from a calendar application), etc. APIs tothird party applications may also be used by the container 1000 toaccess user data about the recent physical activity of the user. Forexample, data may be obtained from a variety of existing or futurepersonal physical activity tracking/monitoring devices (e.g., Fitbit,Apple Healthkit, etc.), any of which can furnish various data related tophysical activity of the user. Some non-limiting examples of the type ofdata that may be obtained from such physical activitytracking/monitoring devices include data about the type of physicalactivity undertaken by the user, the number of steps taken by the userduring a period of time, speed of motion, estimated energy expenditure(e.g., calories burned), etc. Accordingly, data about the user'sphysical activity levels and activity history may be collected,analyzed, and/or communicated by the container 1000 (e.g., by aprocessor and/or other components of the container 1000).

All or a portion of the data described above may be communicated to orotherwise retrieved by one or more processors which may be locatedwithin the consumable container 1000 or external to the consumablecontainer 1000 (e.g., in the user's mobile device 1040, in the cloudnetwork 1050, etc.), where the data may be used to derive more specificand focused patterns and trends about an individual's activity,purchase, and/or consumption behaviors.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, theapparatus of the hydration system of the present disclosure may be incommunication (e.g., via a wired or wireless network) with a separatedevice (e.g., a user's mobile device, such as user device 1040 in theexample ecosystem shown in FIG. 10) acting as an ancillary userinterface and/or providing processing capability, and/or communicatingdata to and from external sources to further inform and/or optimize thedispensing of an additive. This may leverage API data, hardware sensordata and other data to develop contextually relevant dispensingschedules. For example, the system may communicate with one or moreother devices to update and/or inform firmware/software or a processorwithin the hydration device to increase a concentration of “Substance A”by a certain percentage or amount (e.g., 10%) while decreasing aconcentration of “Substance B” by the same or different percentage oramount (e.g., 16%). As another example, further updates received by thesystem via communications with one or more external devices mightinclude a temporary increase in the amount of “Substance C” dispenseddue to, for example, by increased physical activity. Such a temporaryincrease may apply to a single dispensing event or to multiplesubsequent dispensing events.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the hydration system of thepresent disclosure may log (e.g., store in a memory) a user'sconsumption habits over time. This may be used to inform the user ofbehavioral and/or consumption adjustments and/or future purchasingrecommendations. For example, the system may maintain a history and/orlog of purchase history as well as consumption rates of vesselscontaining additives and this data may be further correlated with userphysical performance, subjective user feedback, and other key metricsrelating to a user's physical performance, physical well-being, mentalwell-being, and other objective or subjective factors pertaining to theuser's quality of life. This consumption history and/or log may be usedto further inform and/or optimize future dispensing of additives, futurepurchase recommendations, etc. In a further example, the system mayobtain information about changes in a user's physical performance bymeans of APIs to other software applications on the user's mobile deviceor other associated platform (e.g., data pertaining to the user'sendurance, strength, recovery, etc.) this may be used to determine theeffectiveness of fitness-related additives that the user has consumed.As another example, a weaker caffeine additive or a lower concentrationof an existing caffeine additive may be recommended and/or dispensedafter the system detects information which indicates that the user isexperiencing decreased sleep quantity/quality.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, objective performance asassessed by direct and indirect measurements may be further correlatedagainst more subjective feedback provided by the user. For example, suchsubjective feedback may be provided by the user via a user interfacewhich is a part of the hydration device and/or which is part of anassociated mobile device. This subjective input data received from theuser may be subsequently quantified and correlated against passivelyobtained implicit data (e.g., via software API) and actively obtainedexplicit data (e.g., via an associated hardware sensor device or directuser input).

User-specific performance and/or preference data may be storedinternally to the hydration device (e.g., using an internal memory ofthe device) and/or externally to the hydration device (e.g., in a cloudrepository such as part of an eCommerce website, remote computer,associated mobile device, etc.). Such user-specific data may include,for example, data about the user's consumption rates of variousadditives, day and/or time patterns of consumption by the user, physicalactivity levels of the user (which may for example, be obtained from oneor more measuring instruments or devices either integrated into thehydration apparatus or separately connected to the apparatus including,for example, an accelerometer, power meter, pedometer, etc.), geographiclocations associated with the user's consumption of additives,heart-rate variability, other associated health data, demographicinformation of the user, and the like. For example, the system mayleverage both GPS and API data to inform and optimize the dispensing ofadditives to a user; if the user is at the gym, the dispensing systemmay dispense additives containing more electrolytes, and/or may promptthe user to consume more water.

The portable hydration device system may also dispense additivesaccording to schedules, other real-world information pertaining to thetemporal-dynamic of a user's lifestyle, and other dynamics pertaining toa user's overall mental and/or physical state. For example, the systemmay optimize the daily schedule of dispensing of additives based on atime that a user wakes-up. In such an example, in addition to leveragingdata from a secondary device of the user (e.g., an alarm clockapplication) regarding the user's wake-up time, the dispensing systemmay supplement the data based upon the activation of an onboard sensor(e.g., an inertial sensor) to inform the system of a direct userinteraction with the hydration device (thereby increasing the accuracyof the data).

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure,such secondary device data may be obtained from a wearable device (e.g.,a wearable technology device that may be directly or indirectly incommunication with the hydration device) and may additionally becombined with data from other third-party APIs, health data, ambientconditions, manually entered user parameters and/or fitness/wellnessgoals, etc., to optimize the delivery of nutrients, supplements,vitamins, and hydration in response to a user's activities and physicalstatus.

With existing wearable devices and systems, a user is required toanalyze and interpret the basic output data in order to determine theactions or behavioral changes which might be appropriate in order toadjust additive intake to positively impact physical performanceparameters. Consequently, any alterations or adjustments made to theuser's hydration or nutrition/supplement/vitamin consumption will likelybe guesses and approximations.

In contrast to such existing approaches, the systems, methods, andapparatuses of the present disclosure automate the collection, analysis,interpretation, and adjustment processes with respect to the variousdata and the environmental and other factors that may be collected andmeasured by wearable technology devices. Such data and factors mayinclude, for example, measurements of energy output, physical activity,heart-rate, number of steps taken etc., ambient conditions which mayimpact a user's physical well-being, such as ambient temperature andhumidity, geographic data pertinent to a user's hydration and/ornutritional requirements, daily, cumulative, peak and/or currentphysical activity levels, GSR (skin conductivity), and the like.

For example, where data from one or more devices provides indication ofa strenuous muscle building exercise, the dispensing system may respondby selecting a type and quantity of additive optimized for recovery andmuscle building. The system might also work to keep other physiologicalparameters of the user within optimized ranges via inferentialoptimization, making recommendations and automated adjustments to keepthe user within a certain peak and/or optimized physical state, forexample, the amount of caffeine dispensed may be decreased if data froman associated wearable device indicates that user's heart-rate isunusually high. In another example, on a hot day the system may make anadjustment to the type and/or quantity of additive dispensed based onthe user's physical activity levels and the ambient temperature,humidity, UV levels, and/or other weather or environmental factors toincrease the electrolyte dispensing rate.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the hydration device may bein communication with an associated wearable technology device. Suchdevices are capable of monitoring and measuring human physical activityand certain biometric parameters. Biofeedback data generated from suchmonitoring and measuring functions may include, for example, heart rate,GSR (Galvanic Skin Response), skin temperature, blood flow, etc.Therefore, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein,a biofeedback loop may be created whereby the biometric measuresdetected by a wearable device in response to the intake of vitamins,medicines, and/or dietary supplements etc. using the dispensing anddelivery system of the present disclosure may be wirelessly communicatedto an application residing on a mobile device, from which it may befurther communicated to a remote or cloud-based data repository.

An API between this application or cloud-based repository enables theinstantaneous and longer-term biofeedback response patterns to beanalyzed and used as an input to the specification, recommendation, orfine-tuning of subsequent product purchases (e.g., the online purchasingof vitamins and dietary supplements and the like). This biofeedbackbased fine-tuning is a fundamental part of the strategy of achieving auser-specified wellness or nutritional goal.

In a similar manner, the system of the present disclosure mayadditionally or alternatively leverage data obtained via an API to adedicated medical application and/or from medical device hardware toadjust or modify the dispensing of additives in the short term and alsoto inform purchase recommendations in the longer term.

For example, a user with diabetes may have and use a glucose-meter. Datafrom the glucose-meter may be communicated to the hydration device andthe dispensing of additives adjusted to help maintain appropriate bloodglucose levels. Data may also be communicated to a physician portal orapplication and further communicated to an e-Commerce system in order toensure that future purchases are appropriate for or optimized for thespecific needs of that diabetic user.

Furthermore, the hydration, delivery, and dispensing system maycorrelate data relating to physical activity, hydration and other userand environmental factors with data from the glucose-meter or othermedical hardware device to responsively dispense an optimalconcentration of additive to avoid adverse responses to non-optimalglucose levels.

In another example, a user may be on a blood thinning regimen and mayneed to consume an aspirin-infused additive throughout the day, this maybe prescribed, recommended and/or ordered in a similar manner to theaforementioned and dispensed throughout the day. The amount dispensedmay be adjusted based on blood pressure measures obtained from anassociated (connected) blood pressure monitoring device and maytherefore vary between different dispensing events.

A signal or prompt from a processor (e.g., either integrated within thehydration device, or communicated wirelessly from an associated mobiledevice) instructs the dispensing module to act upon one specific chamberor vessel and dispense a specified quantity of droplets, or in the caseof a solid, to maintain an opening for a powder or other solid formfactor to drain into the solute at a variable rate. The internalfirmware of the hydration device, coupled with the software on anassociated mobile device, in conjunction with data from the device'ssensors calibrates dispensing accordingly. The following are someexample, non-limiting, parameters that may define the quantity ofadditive dispensed in order to achieve a specific level ofconcentration:

(i) The hydration container is filled to 50% volume, the quantity ofdroplets (or other dispensing modality, e.g., stream, drop, spray, etc.)is adjusted to maintain an appropriate or user personalizedconcentration (e.g., in this example decreased by 50% since thecontainer is only half-full).

(ii) Subjective feedback from the user, including direct input by theuser and/or data indirectly accessed from biometric sensors, wearabledevices, or other similar means, etc., informs the system that theprevious “mix” was weaker than the user preferred, consequently thequantity of droplets (or other dispensing modality, e.g., stream, drop,spray, etc.) is increased for the next dispensing event.

(iii) Subjective user feedback, input via a user interface on thehydration device or other connected device, directly requests anincrease or decrease in overall strength or concentration of additiveprior to a dispensing event, the amount of additive dispensed ismodified for future dispensing events.

(iv) Data from a wearable device, or API to a third party application ona user's mobile device indicates that the physical exertion of the userof the hydration device has greatly increased, indicating a need formore of “Substance X” (e.g., a fitness/recovery additive). The processorcommunicates to the dispensing module to dispense an increased quantityof “Substance X” at the next scheduled dispensing event.

(v) Data from APIs, direct measurement, and/or user input informs theprocessor and thence the dispensing mechanism of a need to increase ordecrease the consumption of a specific additive (for example, intake ofzinc, iron, glucose, or protein). The dispensing mechanism and itscoupled firmware subsequently adjusts the dispensing quantityaccordingly.

The hydration and dispensing system described herein may operate inconjunction with an associated secondary device, but may additionally oralternatively operate independently and without requirement of asecondary device to deliver prompts or dispensing data.

To further illustrate some of the features of the various embodimentspresented herein, the following describes a number of example use casesof the hydration systems, methods, and apparatuses of the presentdisclosure. It should be understood that although the following examplesare presented in particular contexts and include certain specific designparameters of the systems and apparatuses, the scope of the presentdisclosure is not in any way limited to the particular contexts,implementations, or specific design parameters described.

In a first example, suppose a user loads vessels containing differentadditives into a hydration device, such as a water container, andsuppose that user wakes-up at 7:00 AM. The user may be prompted by thehydration device (or associated mobile device) to fill the containerwith “X” ounces (oz.) of water in order to hydrate properly. Thedispensing system of the device may then dispense a caffeine andB-vitamin complex to promote wakefulness and energy during the morning.Later in the day, the system may obtain information from the userscalendar or other applications which indicate that the user is in a longmeeting. Accordingly, the system may calibrate hydration levels andglucose levels to ensure that the user will not prematurely require abathroom break during the meeting (e.g., where the system has knowledgeof the user's typical urination frequency or data about the user's mostrecent use of the bathroom), and also to help ensure that the userremains alert and attentive throughout the meeting.

In a second example, a user may go to the gym after work and the systemmay be informed about this based on GPS coordinates and/or other dataobtained from API's to calendars, personal schedules, and/or other datasources pertaining to a user's activities, routines, etc. which may beaccessible on the user's mobile device or in the cloud. Accordingly, thesystem may prompt the user to hydrate more and may dispense a“pre-workout mix” containing additional electrolytes as soon as thegeo-location data indicates that the user is at the gym.

In a third example, each member of a sports team may have and use ahydration container which may be in wireless communication, via theuser's mobile device, with a centralized application residing on themobile device or computer of the team coach. The coach may set hydrationtargets, additive consumption targets and such like for each team memberin order to optimize performance. The coach may also monitor and adjustconsumption targets and behaviors in near real-time, sending updateddata and targets wirelessly to the individual hydration containers.

Physical activity data, time and/or a change in geolocation may indicatethat the user has reached the end of his workout session, in responsethe hydration device may dispense one or more additives optimized for apost-workout. Later that evening, the hydration device may access datarelating to the user's next day schedule and/or desired wake-up time andmay dispense a sleep aid at the optimal time to help ensure a goodnight's rest.

FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom-view of the example additive vessels shownin FIG. 10 and described above. Shown are the nozzles 1003 of theadditive vessels extending through the base of the dispensing module,thus keeping the nozzles and the dispensing assembly from coming intodirect contact with the fluid in the container. This also ensures moreoptimal placement of the nozzles 1003 in order that additives drip intothe central area of the container rather than running down thesidewalls. In addition, in accordance with at least one embodiment, thedispensing module may include tabs 1004 that act as mechanical positionmarkers to define the axial rotation of the additive vessels or pressureactuator (depending on which is moving and which remains stationary),and enable the automatic detection and identification of the additivevessels 1001.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an example of the dispensing system of thepresent disclosure in an additional context. For example, in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein, the dispensing module orsystem 1200 may be oriented above a cup, bottle or container 1220carrying a solute. In at least the present example, the dispensingmodule 1200 includes an opening for the passage of a straw or drinkingchannel 1250 (which may or may not be a part of, or an accessory to, thedispensing module 1200). The straw or drinking channel 1250 may compriseor be accompanied by an in-line flow-meter (not shown). In addition, thedispensing system 1200 may include or may be used in conjunction with aprotective cover 1260 (represented by a transparent wire frame) thatisolates and protects the system and covers the additive vessels 1270.FIG. 12B shows further details on the placement/housing of thedispensing system 1200, including the exit passage of the straw 1250placing the system 1200 within the cup/bottle/vessel 1220 containingsolute, while isolating the flow-meter within the technology module,sealed for durability.

FIG. 13A is a cutaway view of the example embodiment of the dispensingsystem shown in FIG. 12, with components of the system removed and/orstripped-down to illustrate typical locations of various internalcomponents of the system. For example, the dispensing system 1200 mayinclude one or more chips or processors 1390 configured to performvarious operations of the dispensing system described herein. FIG. 13Aalso illustrates the input component 1385 of the actuator piston (e.g.,actuator piston 504 in the example system 500 shown in FIG. 7) with ashape optimized to provide progressive displacement of the additivevessel 1270.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the example dispensing system andillustrates the locations of various components of the dispensing system1200 with respect to one another. As described above, the centralizedpiston assembly (e.g., actuator piston 504 in the example system 500shown in FIG. 7) acts upon the additive vessels 1270 to selectivelyapply pressure and precisely dispense the contents into the cup, bottle,container or vessel 1320 above or below (or in another orientation indirect or indirect communication with the dispensing assembly).

FIG. 14 illustrates a further example of an additive vessel 1401comprising a generally tapered form and a substantially triangularcross-section, with an apex at the lowermost position 1402. This formfactor maximizes the flow of the additive contents of the vessel towardsthe dispensing nozzle 1403. The additive vessel may also have a morecompressible or compliant concave or convex subsection 1404 of one ofthe outer walls positioned such that pressure actuator applies pressurein the center of this more compressible or compliant area. This mayadditionally be of a high friction material in order to ensure maximumefficiency in pressure transfer as well as minimizing the risk of thepressure actuator slipping against the vessel wall. A plurality of theseadditive vessels may be mounted axially around the center line of thehydration device, with the dispensing nozzles innermost and slopingtowards the center line in order to maximize drainage of additive intothe contents of the container and the beneficial effects of gravity.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, the system may comprise anE-Commerce system from whence a user may purchase additives, additivevessels and other products related to the hydration device. In addition,the E-Commerce system may recommend products to the user based on theaggregation of data from multiple sources and/or multiple usersproviding insights into general physical activity levels and patterns(eg from wearable activity devices), environmental conditions, ambientconditions (eg from applications residing on an associated mobiledevice), and the like. This data may be combined with direct user inputspertaining to the aforementioned parameters/factors, as well asadditional data which may include, for example, more subjective inputdata which may be subsequently quantified. The user data aggregated frommultiple users may then be correlated with an individual user'srequirements/goals/lifestyle to generate purchase or behavioralrecommendations with the aim of optimizing key metrics for the user suchas, for example, sleep, physical performance, mental well-being, andother indices more broadly related to the quality of a user's life.

Furthermore, products may be recommended to a user based on activityand/or consumption data provided by the system using various algorithmsknown to those skilled in the art. These may include, for example,collaborative filtering algorithms whereby products are recommendedbased on the purchase, use, or consumption patterns of other users withcomparable age, demographic, or activity parameters. For example,suppose a user has purchased additives A and B. If people who have usedadditives A and B also have used additives C and D, the latter may berecommended to the user as potential purchases even though the user hasnot previously purchased additives C and D. In a further embodiment,product recommendations may be based on their similarity with previouslypurchased or consumed additives. For example, additives X and Y may berecommended because they have properties which are similar to additiveZ, which has been previously purchased and consumed by the user.

In a further embodiment, since the amount of additive content in anadditive vessel is known and the rate of dispensing of that additive isalso known, then the system may estimate or predict when an additivevessel will become empty. This information may be used to automaticallyplace an order to purchase more of that additive or to place thatadditive in a user's shopping cart on an E-Commerce website and/or toinform the user, via a display on the hydration container and/or on theuser's associated mobile device, that supplies of that additive willsoon be depleted. The user may additionally have the option ofinitiating or confirming that online purchase directly from thehydration container using the user interface elements provided thereon.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the recommendation engine may additionally include a system that promptsbehavioral adjustments for an user based on information derived fromdetection of the locations that a user visits. For example, a user mightvisit a restroom, and the geo-location data used to identify that thelocation is in fact a restroom, this in turn may trigger a timer whichmeasures the length of time that the user is in that location. With theadditional use of physiological data (e.g., key parameters such asheight, weight, age, gender, allergies, illnesses, exercise frequency,and other factors relating to the physical state of an individual)manually entered by the user, the system may estimate urine output andthence the user's hydration levels.

Such hydration level data may form an additional input to arecommendation algorithm. Such physiological data may be manuallyentered and/or may be collected via sensors associated with a device ofthe user, from a third-party API, or through various other channels.Furthermore, the same data may be collected from more than one source ina redundant manner to increase accuracy.

This system may also make determinations related to regularity of visitsto the restroom to infer stress levels, and/or to formulate predictionsthat might be protective/preventative regarding the user's health.

In a further example, the location data may determine that the user hasentered a specific restaurant and may access online menu information torecommend the most appropriate meal based on user defined health andfitness goals and prior nutritional intake, thereby optimizing food andnutritional intake for the user. If menu data is unavailable, the systemmay instead recommend specific food types and quantities, leaving theuser to choose the specific menu item comprising those food types. in afurther example, location data may determine that the user has entered agym or similar fitness location and may adjust the dispensing ofspecific additives or supplements up or down and adjust hydrationrecommendations accordingly.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the hydration and dispensingsystems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure mayadditionally comprise a light quality/quantity sensor that assessesexposure to Ultra-Violet (UV) and/or other radiant energy that mightaffect the mental and/or physical well-being of the user. Data on UVlevels obtained from the sensor may be used as an input to an algorithmwhich may determine optimum nutrition and/or hydration requirements. Forexample, Vitamin-D levels are effected very directly by exposure tosunlight, therefore the quantity and timing of the dispensing ofVitamin-D supplements to the user may be adjusted upwards or downwardsin response to the level of exposure to UV measured by an integratedsensor device and/or derived via an API to a third party application onan associated mobile device or accessed from the cloud. The system mayalso provide recommendations for behavioral adjustments based on thelevels of UV exposure such as the ideal timing for the application ofsunscreen, etc.

In a further embodiment, the system may leverage GPS in the hydrationdevice and/or an associated user device to determine the user'sgeographical location and thence the environmental conditions of thatuser by means of APIs to existing online data sources (e.g., weatherforecasting websites). Thus the user's environment may be quantified interms of ambient temperature, humidity, UV exposure, environmentalpollutants, dust and allergen levels, etc., and taken into account whendetermining nutrition and/or hydration levels.

For example an API to an activity or location application might indicatethat the user is moving at a speed consistent with jogging, while aweather application indicates that the ambient temperature at thatlocation is ninety degrees fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 80%.This would indicate that the amount of liquid that the user shouldconsume will need to increase above that which might previously havebeen scheduled or recommended and that adjustments may need to be madeto the additive dispensing schedule in terms of which additives aredispensed, the timing and the quantities.

The hydration and dispensing system of the present disclosure mayadditionally inform a user about sleep cycle decisions by guiding theuser towards optimized exposure to sunlight or artificial light-sourcesfor the purpose of improving/optimizing sleep quality or quantity. Inaddition, the system may also leverage camera data from a user's device(e.g., mobile telephone, smartphone, tablet computer, etc.) to makedeterminations and subsequent recommendations based on skindarkness/lightness and inferred melanin density, for the purpose of amore accurate, user-specific recommendation. In accordance with at leastone embodiment, the system may also use geographical location and localtime data to determine whether a user has substantially changed locationwithin a short timeframe and may be affected by jet-lag. This data maybe used to further adjust or modify the nature, timing and/or quantityof dispensed additive to compensate accordingly and to help restorediurnal rhythms.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the hydration and dispensing system described herein may be implementedas part of a water bottle or other portable hydration device. This maycomprise, among other components, a user interface screen or displaythat is a part of the container itself or an accessory componentthereof. A processor within the container may be in communication with aseparate connected mobile or wearable device and with the interfacescreen or display for the purposes of displaying to the user, relevantinstructions, guidance, information, data and the like.

FIG. 15 illustrates example components in a hydration and dispensingsystem 1500 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.The hydration device 1502 (e.g., bottle) may communicate with a varietyof connected devices. For example, in accordance with at least oneembodiment, the hydration device 1502 may communicate with one or moreuser devices such as Bluetooth enabled user devices 1501 and/or othermobile user devices, which may have various associated mobileapplications 1504 installed thereon. Such user devices 1501, 1504 mayserve as primary command and control interfaces (e.g., via Bluetooth LowEnergy) for controlling various features and functionalities of thehydration device 1502.

In accordance with one or more other embodiments, communications withthe hydration device 1502 might involve other wireless and/orradio-based communication standards. For example, additive dispensecommands may be transmitted from a user's mobile device 1504 to thehydration device 1502, providing input to trigger a dispensing eventwithin the hydration device 1502. The transmissions between thehydration device 1502 and the user's mobile device 1504 might alsocommunicate hydration data, consumption data, environmental data, andalso the exchange of present and/or past (e.g., cached) usage dataand/or device data. In accordance with at least one embodiment, theaforementioned examples of relevant data might be further informed,transformed, or modulated in response to information communicated to thehydration device 1502 (e.g., via a mobile application running on theuser's device 1504) from third-party APIs and/or devices 1503. Forexample, information communicated by such third-party APIs and/ordevices 1503 may be translated by the mobile application 1504 intodispense commands and/or recommendations that are then transmitted tothe hydration device 1502.

The hydration device 1502 communicates with RFID enabled objects 1506,in the preferred embodiment, the communication is with RFID enabledadditive vessels whereby an RFID (or similar) tag located on the vesselcommunicates to the hydration device information relevant to dispensing,nutrition, dosage, and other factors necessary to dispense the additivecontained within the vessel with context.

In the preferred embodiment, the hydration device receives additivevessels in a radial formation on the outer circumference of a circle, acentrally located dispensing system then orients an RFID antenna orother wireless communication reader (such as an optical reader) suchthat it specifically reads and collects data from an additive vessellocated at a known index point.

The aforementioned embodiment is a mechanical system located within thehydration device 1502, and referenced further in FIG. 19. Theaforementioned preferred embodiment describes the primary communicationprocess occurring between the hydration device and an RFID enabledobject and/or objects. Another embodiment involves the hydration devicecommunicating with objects that provide further context to the device,examples might include context for dispensing actions and/or events,nutrition, user behavior, and hydration, this might be accomplished withthe placement of an externally oriented antenna or other form of reader.

In accordance with at least one embodiment described herein, thehydration and dispensing system 1500 includes an RFID writer 1505 thatencodes information to an RFID tag or other RFID-enabled object 1506 forthe hydration device 1502 to ultimately read and incorporate intofurther actions. The RFID writer 1505 may be further informed by one ormore associated databases such as, for example, a nutrition database1507 containing relevant information that might include dispensingprotocols, nutritional information, and the like.

The hydration device 1502 may communicate with a wireless device 1501,1504, acting as a command and control interface for the user, and inaccordance with at least one embodiment, providing the primary interfaceto the hydration device 1502. Furthermore, the wireless device may makeuse of an application 1504 that communicates information to and receivesinformation from the hydration device 1502, while also communicating(e.g., either directly or via a data platform server 1515) with one ormore peripheral network systems 1508 (third-party APIs associated with,for example, wearable devices, user services, etc.), 1509 (e-Commerceapplications), 1510 (web applications), 1511 (recommendation resultsdatabases and/or queues), and 1512 (recommendation engines), whichstore, share, process, or otherwise handle data relevant to the userexperience, dispensing actions, and/or the purchase and/or use of otheradditive vessels, and the like.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,more comprehensive data regarding the additive vessels is communicatedfrom, to, and through the mobile application 1504 and/or wirelessdevice. Furthermore, the mobile application 1504 may leverage data fromthe hydration device 1502 and from one or more other sources, such as,for example, third party APIs 1503 (e.g., “Apple HealthKit”, “Fitbit”,“MyFitnessPal”, etc.) to inform dispensing actions, dispensingrecommendations, purchase recommendations, purchase automation, andother prompts to the user or to a third-party user (e.g., a physician orcaregiver associated with the user).

Ultimately, all data associated with the system 1500 may be storedand/or processed on every node of the system, to varying extents. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment, dispensing data may be cachedlocally on the hydration device 1502 in cases where it is not connectedto a peripheral device (such as a mobile phone). Recommendation data,purchase data, nutritional data, and dispensing instructions, may all bestored locally to varying extents on the hydration device 1502 and onthe connected wireless device 1501, leveraging the mobile application1504. It should be understood that the system 1500 is designed such thata portion or multiple portions of the system 1500 can disconnect andremain disconnected for a period of time without eliminating any coreelements or features of the user experience, including, for example,additive dispensing and hydration tracking from a portable hydrationdevice.

FIG. 16 illustrates example data flows between components in a hydrationand dispensing system during a dispensing event in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. Example data flows are shownbetween a hydration device 1601, local memory (e.g., storage) of thehydration device 1602, a user device 1603 (e.g., an associatedapplication running on a user device), local memory of the user device1604, and remote server (e.g., “cloud”) storage 1605.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the data flows illustratedin FIG. 16 (e.g., data flows 1610, 1612, 1614, 1616, 1618, 1620, and1622) are specific to the scenario where additive vessels have beeninserted into the hydration device 1601 and a subsequent dispensingevent is to occur. For example, a sensor, in this case a hall-effectswitch, informs the device of the lid being opened or closed (1610), inthis case the open and close event infers that the user has opened thelid to place additive vessels in the hydration device 1601. Theopen-close sensor also functions in accordance with at least oneembodiment to trigger the dispensing module to orient itself, andtherefore the RFID antenna upon a known index point to read data fromthe additive vessel and subsequently communicate (1612) that data to thedevice and/or to peripheral devices and/or systems including remotecloud storage and/or servers (1605).

Periodically, user preferences, information, context, data,environmental information, and the like is communicated (1614) fromremote storage in the cloud 1605 to the user's mobile device 1603 and tothe mobile application, and is stored therein (e.g., in local memory ofthe user device 1604), subsequently informing the hydration device 1601via dispensing instructions. A dispensing event can be initiatedmanually (1616) by the user using the mobile application. Alternatively,the user can initiate a dispensing event more directly (1616) using theinterface on the hydration device 1601 itself. In another use case thehydration device 1601 might receive dispensing instructions/protocols(1618) from the mobile device 1603 to instruct the hydration device 1601to dispense quantities of additive at specific times, following which,confirmation of the dispensing event and data associated with thedispensing event is communicated (1620), (1622) from the hydrationdevice 1601 to the users mobile device 1603 and the storage therein1604, when a connection to a mobile device is not present, theaforementioned data is stored locally within the hydration device.

FIG. 17 illustrates example data flows between components in a hydrationand dispensing system during a dispensing event based on various user,environment, and contextual data in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. In accordance with at least oneembodiment, example data flows are shown between a hydration device1701, local memory (e.g., storage) of the hydration device 1702, a userdevice 1703 (e.g., an associated application running on a user device),local memory of the user device 1704, remote server (e.g., “cloud”)storage 1705, and one or more third-party applications 1706.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the example data flowsillustrated in FIG. 17 (e.g., data flows 1720, 1722, 1724, 1726, 1728,1730, 1732, and 1734) enable the hydration device 1701 to modifydispensing instructions/protocol more dynamically in response to variousdata points and/or information relevant to the overall context. In theexample shown, there are three sources of data to demonstrate this. Data(1724) that is stored in the mobile device 1703, 1704, data (1722) thatis received and/or processed from or by third-party data sources (e.g.APIs) 1706, and data (1720) that is communicated from a remote networkand/or cloud server/storage 1705. Data from the aforementioned includes,but is not limited to, user physiological information, demographics,preferences, psychographics, dietary preferences, dietary requirements,nutritional requirements, taste preferences, calendar information,purchase information, physical activity, weather data, location data,geographic information, explicit user feedback, travel information,health information regulatory constraints relevant to dietary andnutritional recommendations and/or dispensing events thereof. Theaforementioned data sources might be received and/or processed inreal-time, and/or as predictive elements, and/or as historic elements.The liquid level (1726) in the hydration device 1701 is measured priorto a dispensing event, and is communicated to the hydration device 1701and/or dispensing module, and/or the mobile device 1703 therebyinforming the dispensing event preemptively. Following a dispensingevent spatial data and/or inertial data, in the preferred embodimentmeasured and collected by an accelerometer within the hydration device,might initiate and/or inform other functions including but not limitedto, level measurement, interface prompts, and data transmission.Following a dispensing event, data confirming a dispensing event (1734)is transmitted, stored, or otherwise processed in a manner previouslydescribed herein (e.g., the example data flows shown in FIG. 16 anddescribed above).

FIG. 18 illustrates example components of a hydration device (e.g.,hydration container) 1800 in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The hydration device 1800 may include, for example, alid 1801, one or more lid sensors 1802, a wireless communication module1803, a liquid channel 1804, a user interface 1805, a manual dispensingmechanism or a dispensing module 1806, a power supply 1807, a liquidlevel detector 1808, a liquid (e.g., consumable liquid) container 1809,additive vessel ports (e.g., apertures, chambers, etc.) 1810, a controland memory module 1811, and an additive vessel data reader 1812. Itshould be understood that, in accordance with one or more otherembodiments of the present disclosure, the example hydration device 1800may not include one or more of the components shown in FIG. 18, or mayinclude one or more other components not shown in FIG. 18, where suchother components may be included in the hydration device 1800 inaddition to or instead of one or more of the example componentsillustrated.

The hydration device 1800 may be in communication with a user device1814 via, for example, a wired or wireless connection, and suchcommunication may be on a persistent or periodic/intermittent basis. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, theuser device 1814 may act as a proxy through which the hydration device1800 can exchange (e.g., send and/or receive) data with, for example, aneCommerce system and/or recommendation engine 1816, as well as one ormore data warehouses (e.g., storage systems or servers, which may belocal or remote, and which may function as a central storage locationfor a wide range of data associated with the hydration device 1800and/or a user of the device). The eCommerce system and/or recommendationengine 1816 may provide to the hydration device 1800 (e.g., via the userdevice 1814), for example, recommendations, contextual modifications,purchase of additive vessels, and the like, related to the hydrationdevice 1800 and overall system.

The lid 1801 (e.g., lid assembly) may be for sealing the system orotherwise connecting a dispensing module and/or additive vessels to thehydration container 1800. In accordance with at least one embodiment,the lid sensor 1802 may be, for example, a hall-effect switch, thatinforms (e.g., sends an indication to) the hydration device 1800 and theoverall system and peripheral network of an event, such as where the lid1801, or a subassembly of the lid 1801 is removed, replaced, orotherwise moved (e.g., by the user).

In accordance with at least one embodiment, this indication from the lidsensor 1802 signals the dispensing module 1806 and/or additive vesseldata reader 1812 to initiate an indexing sequence to read data from theadditive vessels (and/or data tags affixed thereon), which may beremovably secured in (e.g., held in place within, received in, etc.) theadditive vessel ports 1810, and to communicate that data to thehydration system and/or to other components of the overall system. Awireless communication module (e.g., a Bluetooth system or component)1803 provides a communication mechanism for the hydration device 1800and/or dispensing module 1806 to transmit and/or receive information toor from other devices.

The liquid channel 1804, which in accordance with at least oneembodiment, may be a sealable passage for the consumable liquidcontained or retained in the liquid container 1809 of the hydrationdevice 1800 to be consumed by the user without necessarily coming intocontact with any of the other system components. The hydration device1800 may also include a user interface 1805 that enables the user tointeract with or otherwise control or interface with the hydrationdevice 1800. For example, in accordance with at least one embodiment,the user interface 1805 may include a display screen (e.g., touchdisplay) and button interface on the hydration device 1800. Inaccordance with one or more other embodiments, the user interface 1805may include one or more buttonless interfaces, symbolic interfacesleveraging LEDs, and/or the like.

The hydration device 1800 may include a dispensing module 1806, variousfeatures of which are described in greater detail below and illustratedin FIG. 19. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in place of the dispensing module illustrated in FIG. 19,the hydration device 1800 may include a manual dispensing mechanism 1806or one or more alternative mechanical solutions that are similar infunction to such a manual dispensing mechanism.

Power supply 1807 may be adapted to provide energy to the hydrationdevice 1800, the overall hydration system, and/or subcomponents of thehydration system. The liquid level detector 1808 may be a mechanism bywhich the hydration device 1800 measures, reads, or otherwise obtainsinformation pertaining to the volume of liquid (e.g., liquid consumable)contained in the liquid container 1809 of the hydration device 1800. Inaccordance with at least one embodiment, the liquid container 1809 mayserve as a receptacle container into which additive vessels dispenseadditives directly or indirectly for user consumption or use. Theadditive vessel ports 1810 may receive additive vessels placed orinserted therein by a user such that the additive vessels are able tointerface with various other components of the hydration device 1800such as, for example, the dispensing module 1806, the additive vesseldata reader, etc.

The control and memory module (e.g., system) 1811 within the hydrationdevice 1800 may be a mechanism through which the hydration device 1800can obtain data from the additive vessel or vessels interfacing with theadditive vessel ports 1810 or any other subcomponent of the hydrationdevice 1800.

FIG. 19 illustrates example components of a dispensing module 1900 inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The dispensingmodule 1900 may include, for example, a processor/controller 1905 (whichmay include one or more data storage devices/components), an indexingmotor (e.g., positioning motor) 1910, a rotational indexing gearmechanism 1915, a rotary encoder (e.g., a rotary potentiometer) 1920,one or more RFID or similar type antennas 1925, an FFC (clockspring)connector 1930, a dispensing motor 1935, a linear dispensing gearmechanism 1940, one or more dispensing pressure actuators 1945, and alinear motion encoder (e.g., linear potentiometer) 1950. The dispensingmodule 1900 may receive as input, for example, a dispensing signal orschedule (1960), and generate as output a dispensing event confirmation(1970).

It should be understood that, in accordance with one or more otherembodiments of the present disclosure, the example dispensing module1900 may not include one or more of the components shown in FIG. 19, ormay include one or more other components not shown in FIG. 19, wheresuch other components may be included in the dispensing module 1900 inaddition to or instead of one or more of the example componentsillustrated.

The example dispensing module 1900 illustrated in FIG. 19 references amechanism whereby a subsystem orients the dispensing module 1900 upon aspecific location, in this case, a pre-determined, pre-programmedlocation of an additive vessel. In accordance with one or moreembodiments, the dispensing module 1900 may include or utilize amechanism whereby a subsystem provides input force to an additive vesselto generate a controlled and repeatable dispensing event with completelyvariable quantities of additives dispensed. Position sensors may actwith both the orientation mechanism and the dispensing mechanism toprovide a feedback loop for both systems to function with precision,while also delivering relevant data to the device itself (e.g.,hydration device, such as the example hydration device 1800 shown inFIG. 18). The indexing motor 1910 and rotational indexing gear mechanism1915 allow for reliable axial motion of the dispensing module 1900. TheRFID antenna (or other similar data reader device) may orient itselfwith the dispensing module 1900, thereby providing confirmation ofpositional accuracy, indexing of the additive vessels, and datatransmission related to the additive vessels. The dispensing module 1900receives instructions/protocol (1960) to dispense a specific additive,where such instructions/protocol may include, but are not limited to, aspecific time for the dispense event, a quantity of additive to bedispensed, and/or a frequency for dispensing the additive. Thedispensing module 1900 may output data (1970) that confirms a successfuldispensing event or indicates full or partial failure thereof.

In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,the hydration and dispensing system described herein may be implementedin a water bottle or other portable hydration device including, amongother components, a user interface screen that is a part of theapparatus itself or is an accessory component thereof. In such anembodiment, the user interface screen may be in communication with bothinternal software for the device itself, as well as wirelesslycommunicating to a secondary device fetching and delivering otherrelevant data.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe systems, devices, and/or processes via the use of block diagrams,flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it willbe understood by those within the art that each function and/oroperation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can beimplemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described.In some cases, the actions described in accordance with one or more ofthe embodiments may be performed in a different order and still achievedesirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in theaccompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular ordershown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certainimplementations, multitasking and parallel processing may beadvantageous.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable container for retaining aconsumable liquid, the portable container comprising: a hydrationcontainer that retains the consumable liquid; an additive vesselcontaining an additive; and a dispensing module mounted to the hydrationcontainer, the dispensing module receives the additive vessel; and thedispensing module dispensing, into the consumable liquid in thehydration container, variable quantities of the additive; at least oneprocessor, associated with a first data store that stores first data,configured to adaptively control the dispensing module to perform thedispensing the variable quantities of the additive based on the firstdata; the additive vessel associated with a second data store thatstores second data; and the at least one processor effecting transfer oftransferred data between the first data store and the second data store;and the additive vessel including at least one wall that contacts andcontains the additive, the dispensing module applying pressure to the atleast one wall to dispense, in the dispensing, the variable quantitiesof the additive, and the at least one wall, of the additive vessel,positioned in the dispensing module.
 2. The portable container of claim1, the second data store is a data storage tag affixed to the additivevessel.
 3. The portable container of claim 1, the second data store is aRFID tag affixed to the additive vessel, and the dispensing moduleincludes an RFID antenna to provide communication with the RFID tag. 4.The portable container of claim 1, the transfer of transferred dataincludes transfer of data from the second data store to the first datastore.
 5. The portable container of claim 4, the transfer of transferreddata includes a transfer of data to the second data store from the firstdata store.
 6. The portable container of claim 1, the second data storeis attached to the additive vessel; and the at least one processor:collecting release data regarding release of additive from the additivevessel into the consumable liquid; and writing the release data to thesecond data store.
 7. The portable container of claim 1, the second datastore is attached to the additive vessel; and the at least oneprocessor: collecting user data regarding a user of the portablecontainer; and writing the user data to the second data store.
 8. Theportable container of claim 1, the second data store is attached to theadditive vessel; and the at least one processor: collecting portablecontainer identity data regarding attributes of the portable container;and writing the portable container identity data to the second datastore.
 9. The portable container of claim 1, the dispensing moduleincluding an actuator assembly, and the actuator assembly performing thedispensing, into the consumable liquid, variable quantities of theadditive contained in the additive vessel; the additive vessel includinga nozzle, and the nozzle positioned within the dispensing module; andthe dispensing module mounted to the hydration container including thehydration container being threaded to attach to the dispensing module.10. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to: control timing of the dispensing of theadditive from the additive vessel into the consumable liquid.
 11. Theportable container of claim 1, the first data includes use data, and theat least one processor is configured to: collect the use data that isassociated with use of the portable container; and adjust the dispensingof the additive based on the use data that was collected.
 12. Theportable container of claim 11, the use data includes one or moreselected from the group consisting of: an amount of the consumableliquid retained in the portable container; a physical characteristic ofthe additive to be dispensed; a consumption activity associated with auser of the portable container; a preference of the user of the portablecontainer; and a context of use of the portable container by the user.13. The portable container of claim 11, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to: transmit the use data, that was collected,from the first data store to a remote server in communication with theat least one processor via a communications network, to a user deviceassociated with a user of the portable container, or both.
 14. Theportable container of claim 13, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to: receive from the remote server, from the user device, orfrom both the remote server and user device, recommendation data for theuser; and provide, based on the recommendation data, at least onerecommendation to the user.
 15. The portable container of claim 14,wherein the at least one recommendation is based on at least oneselected from the group consisting of: quantities and dates of previousadditive purchases by the user; rate of dispensing of additives into theportable container; and rate of consumption of the consumable liquidretained in the portable container.
 16. A portable container forretaining a consumable liquid, the portable container comprising: ahydration container that retains the consumable liquid; an additivevessel containing an additive; and a dispensing module mounted to thehydration container, the dispensing module receives the additive vessel;and the dispensing module dispensing, into the consumable liquid in thehydration container, variable quantities of the additive; at least oneprocessor, associated with a first data store that stores first data,configured to adaptively control the dispensing module to perform thedispensing the variable quantities of the additive based on the firstdata; the additive vessel associated with a second data store thatstores second data; and the at least one processor effecting transfer oftransferred data between the first data store and the second data store;and wherein the at least one processor is configured to: monitor anamount of the consumable liquid retained in the portable container;determine a type of the consumable liquid retained in the portablecontainer; monitor a rate of consumption of the consumable liquidretained in the portable container; and detect when the amount of theconsumable liquid retained in the portable container has increased ordecreased.
 17. The portable container of claim 16, wherein the at leastone processor is configured to: process sensor data about the amount,type, and/or rate of consumption of the consumable liquid retained inthe portable container; store the sensor data about the amount, type,and/or rate of consumption of the consumable liquid retained in theportable container; communicate the sensor data about the amount, type,and/or rate of consumption of the consumable liquid retained in theportable container over a communication network; and receive receiveddata indicating a recommended amount, a recommended type, and/or arecommended rate of consumption of the consumable liquid retained in theportable container.
 18. The portable container of claim 17, wherein theat least one processor is configured to: present, to a user of theportable container, the received data indicating the recommended amount,the recommended type, and/or the recommended rate of consumption of theconsumable liquid retained in the portable container.
 19. The portablecontainer of claim 17, further including a further additive vessel, andthe dispensing module receives the further additive vessel.